RPG Maker Forums

I have the unique opportunity to be a muse, at times.


I think a lot and observe a lot and I guess I stay aware of what people ask for somehow. =P


But at creating resources, let's just say I am in my developmental stages. I cannot tell you how many times I have seen that there is no thing-a-ma-gig, tried to make one, make a really sub-standard one, and then, lo and behold, my muse powers are released and artists make them! It is like magic!


If only it didn't require my life's blood.


So the problem is that I bring equally amazing artistic sensibilities to map making. I have a few brain cells left, and I know what I want and where it fits in my game, and Indrah and other folks have written great tuts and kept me in line ( =D ) and I do not mind paying a few $$$ for better maps than I can make. But really I do need to make SOME of my maps. (Money not growing on the farm, and all that.)


So this is my question: how can let other folks, be MY muse, without me being the dirt-bag copy creeper?


Of course, making new art pixel by pixel is very different from making a map tile by tile. If someone makes a cool map with a great combo of elevations and decor, to what degree can I imitate without over-stepping?


Obviously, maps made with the same tileset will look similar.


I just saw a map today on twitter and honestly, it is the PERFECT background for my next map. I had completed the main building with a store tileset, but the background - well, my artistic balloon is out of air.


I don't know the guy on Twitter well enough to just ask to use his map! and I would never "steal" it.


How on earth can I handle this?


/me pouts in corner